This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love, this kielbasa pasta is for you! Smoky kielbasa is roasted with Brussels sprouts, then tossed with pesto and pasta for an easy, filling dinner.
Table of Contents
I’m back with another easy kielbasa meal for you, my friends. Only because it’s winter and we’ve been snowed in, therefore, my brain is a little scrambled, so I need everything to be super simple.
As simple as throwing a few things on a sheet pan and calling it dinner (as seen in our Kielbasa and Potatoes and Kielbasa Sheet Pan recipes).
I’ll tell you a secret if you won’t judge me too harshly…
There was a time in my life when I thought kielbasa was gross.
Not just kielbasa, but all meat. I thought it tasted rotten.
It wasn’t my fault. It all started after a rough bout with mono that seemed to ruin my taste buds for a few years.
Anyway, I’ve recovered from that insanity, and it’s a good thing, because otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to talk to you about this kielbasa pasta. Kielbasa pasta is everything that we need for a quick weeknight dinner: simple, filling, and healthy- plus pesto.
*drool*
The Brussels sprouts and kielbasa roast together on the same pan until everything is caramelized, then tossed with the pasta and pesto, and finished off with a generous helping of parmesan cheese. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Except that it does, because this kielbasa pasta is kid-friendly. Not just kid-friendly, but toddler-friendly (yes, there’s a difference).
If your kids are hesitant about the kielbasa, just tell them they’re hot dogs. It’s a hot dog with noodles.
Trust me, they’ll gobble it right up.
Why You’ll Love This Kielbasa Pasta
Other than being insanely delicious and super easy to make, you’ll love this kielbasa pasta because:
- Hearty, smoky kielbasa paired with tender pasta and roasted vegetables for an easy meal that feels special
- Simple sheet-pan plus pasta pot method can be made on autopilot during busy seasons
- Balanced, filling meal for busy weeknights
- Easy to double or triple for family dinners or get-togethers
- Works with store-bought or homemade pesto
Ingredients You’ll Need for Kielbasa Pasta
- Kielbasa: fully cooked, smoky sausage that crisps lightly when roasted
- Brussels sprouts: hearty vegetable that caramelizes beautifully in the oven
- Pasta: short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold pesto well
- Pesto: adds bold, herby flavor with minimal effort. Check out our pesto recipe with walnuts for the best quality.
- Parmesan cheese: melts into the pasta and adds richness
- Pasta water: helps loosen the pesto and create a light, cohesive sauce
How to Make Kielbasa Pasta
Step 1: Prepare oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper if desired.
Step 2: Prepare Brussels sprouts. Toss the Brussels sprouts with the olive oil and salt and spread in an even layer on the prepared pan.
Step 3: Roast Brussels sprouts. Roast for 15 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and stir the Brussels sprouts.
Step 4: Roast kielbasa. Add the sliced kielbasa to the pan, stir to combine, and return to the oven. Roast for an additional 15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized and the kielbasa is lightly browned.
Step 5: Cook pasta. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
Step 6: Combine pasta. In a large bowl or the pasta pot, combine the cooked pasta, roasted Brussels sprouts, kielbasa, pesto, and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss until evenly coated, adding more pasta water as needed if the pasta seems dry.
Step 7: Add cheese. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Step 8: Enjoy! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with additional Parmesan, if desired.
How to Make Kielbasa Pasta That Isn’t Dry
- Reserve pasta water before draining the pasta. This is crucial!
- Toss the pasta while it’s still hot so the pesto coats evenly.
- Add pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency.
- Finish with Parmesan to help bind the sauce.
Variations and Add-Ins to Try
You can spice up your kielbasa pasta by adding:
- Lemon zest or lemon juice for brightness
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Splash of cream or mascarpone for a richer sauce
- Swap Brussels sprouts for broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
How to Store and Reheat Kielbasa Pasta
- Store leftover kielbasa pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use a different sausage?
Yes, smoked sausage or chicken sausage work well, but kielbasa gives the most classic flavor.
What pasta shape works best for kielbasa pasta?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely, just use dairy-free pesto and omit or replace the Parmesan.
Can this be served cold?
Yes, this kielbasa pasta can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for potlucks.
Kielbasa Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 14 oz kielbasa links, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta (any short-cut pasta will work)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4-1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese (more for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper if desired.
- Prepare Brussels sprouts: Toss the Brussels sprouts with the olive oil and salt and spread in an even layer on the prepared pan.
- Roast: Roast for 15 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and stir the Brussels sprouts.
- Add Kielbasa: Add the sliced kielbasa to the pan, stir to combine, and return to the oven. Roast for an additional 15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized and the kielbasa is lightly browned.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Combine pasta: In a large bowl or the pasta pot, combine the cooked pasta, roasted Brussels sprouts, kielbasa, pesto, and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss until well coated, adding the remaining pasta water as needed if the pasta seems dry.
- Add cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
- Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with additional Parmesan on top.
You’re Family will Love Kielbasa Pasta
This kielbasa pasta is so simple and delicious, we’ve built it into our monthly meal rotation! You can make it as is or swap some ingredients to suit your family’s preferences. Serve it alongside a simple salad and sourdough, and you’re on your way to an easy dinner the whole family will love.
[…] Add pasta and pesto for Kielbasa Pasta […]
[…] Toss with hot pasta and a splash of pasta water for a smooth, pesto pasta (like our kielbasa pasta) […]